Balut pa more? DOST partners with DA to develop Itik Pinas

A unit of the Department of Science and Technology has partnered with the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry to develop ducks that can lay 50 more eggs than the traditional ducks.

The DOST’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development and the BAI’s National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center have developed Itik Pinas which they describe as a genetically superior breeder duck. Itik Pinas has a higher average productive period of 70 percent in a year while traditional breeds only have a productive period of 55 percent in a year that translates to 50 more eggs.

The DOST said the eggs of Itik Pinas breeds average at 65 grams a piece, meeting the requirements of balut makers.

PCAARRD said Itik Pinas is a product of organized breeding and selection that focused on uniformity of physical characteristics, higher and predictable egg production performance and consistent egg quality.